The Ben Joravsky Show

President Biden is thinking of reaching out to former President Trump for help in urging MAGA to get a COVID shot. Ben wonders what price Trump will make Biden pay. Meanwhile, Governor Pritzker must be feeling the political heat cause he’s eager to reopen the state.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Matt Martin ran on a platform of finding new and more progressive sources of raising money for the city. Half way through his first term, he's learned it's easier said than done, especially in a pandemic. He also explains the intricacies of respectfully disagreeing with sharp-elbowed Chicago politicians.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dan Mihalopoulos, WBEZ reporter, returns to talk all things politics. Does the Machine still exist post-Madigan? And what was Republican state representative Chris Miller doing at Trump’s January 6 rally?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden can’t win over MAGA no matter how he tries. And Sun-Times editor/columnist Rummana Hussain returns for her weekly rundown, covering everything from Oprah & The Royals to Tucker Carlson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ace reporter for the Sun-Times, Manny Ramos is the grandson of Manuel Ramos, a leader of the Young Lords. In the late `60s, Manuel Ramos was emerging as a Puerto Rican political leader, building an Black-Brown alliance with Fred Hampton. Then he was killed, shot by an off-duty police officer. He was 20-years-old. Manny talks about the impact his grandfather's death had on him, his father and his family. It's a follow up to his Sun-Times essay--Remembering a Young Lord.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben gets his shot! Let the good times roll. Also, Ben and Dr. D take the deep dive on latest poll about Pritzker. It's a Republican poll so its belongs in the category of fiction. And Adolfo Mondragon, election lawyer, returns to talk about his case against former Alderman Danny Solis. He wants to the courts to rule against politicians using campaign money to pay criminal defense lawyers. The case could impact Michael Madigan and Alderman Ed Burke.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inside Chicago Government's Dave Glowacz returns to break down the latest City Council meetings. He runs through the latest parliamentary maneuvering that resulted in Aldermen Ray "RayLo" Lopez and Ed Burke, of all people, challening Mayor Lightfoot on police spending. It's almost comical to watch Burke try to play the role of council "reformer". Listen and you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about "laying it on the table".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's a proposal to let do-gooders draw new ward boundaries. Ben must decide whether to join that bandwagon. And it's the long-awaited return of David Seaton--co-host of the WVON radio talk show, Buchanan & Seaton. Ben and David take the deep dive on Biden, Republicans, filibusters and then, in an unexpected twist, Eddie Murphy. What are the three greatest Eddie Murphy movies?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vincent E. Norment, owner of the Marijuana Hall of Fame, returns to talk about George Floyd’s legacy and the latest on the booming legal reefer industry. Also, he has a little encouraging news for Ben’s beloved Bulls.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben talks about the MAGA monster returning to destroy voting rights in Georgia. And fans at baseball but not basketball games? More COVID mixed messages out of Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Weiss is a lefty commentator in California, who's specializes in snide & snarky (but truthful) postings about MAGA. Including, though not limited to--Trump, Limbaugh, Cruz & McConnell. Facebook has kicked him off at least six seven times--it's hard to keep up. Put it this way--he's been kicked off more than Trump. Worse than Trump? Weiss explains his political views and discusses the limits of free speech on Facebook. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Know It Alls return to discuss, among other things, the election of Congresswoman Robin Kelly as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party. Also, a sad day in Know-It-All Land, as Dan P. flunks an trivia contest.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sub-Times editor-columnist Rummana Hussain tries to make sense out of MAGA’s new found love for Dr. Seuss. Also, she addresses the question: Is Andrew Cuomo the sleaziest pol in America? Finally, lots of live for zombies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA "champions" Dr. Seuss, a man whose culture they probably would be canceling, if he were still alive. Anything to divert attention from their opposition to hiking the minimum wage or passing a stimulus bill. Also, Ben imagines he's CEO of the Chicago Public Schools.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Good news--our computer's are working. Bad news--Ben flunks his Chicago trivia test. He makes up for it by taking the deep dive on Robin Kelly's victory as chair of Illinois Democratic Party. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben talks with Bill Horberg, aka Chicago Bill. He's the executive producer of The Queen's Gambit, a television miniseries released on Netflix. We're rebroadcasting this gem--where he explains how the series was made--cause we're so proud of his accomplishments!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderwoman Rodriguez Sanchez talks about Mayor Lightfoot’s bias against activists and elected officials of the leftist persuasion. Also, the mayor’s interesting clarification about who she dropped the F-bomb on.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben reflects on 40 years of living in Chicago and covering Chicago characters. Is there a prototypical Chicagoan? Political strategist Joanna Klonsky returns for another Creep Report. An analysis of powerful me behaving badly. In this case--New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Congressman Madison Cawthorn.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Illinois General Assembly is poised to debate and vote on a bill to eliminate the requirement that parents be notified of their daughters' plans to get an abortion. Personnel PAC's Terry Cosgrove, state Rep. Anna Moeller and attorney Melissa Widen explain why it's important to do away with parental notification.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Ben Joravsky Show has been a podcast for two years. So Dr. D though it would be fun to have a few of our favorite guests show up on google meeting to surprise Ben and celebrate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sub-rimes editor Rummana Hussain discusses the myth of objectivity, the bigotry of Marjorie Taylor Greene and the Train to Busan, among other things.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Democrats have a chance to raise the minimum wage. It's a long-shot chance. But it involves rebelling against the Senate parliamentarian. Will they do it? Ben discusses. Also, it's the second year anniversary of the podcast. Let the party begin!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's a movement by MAGA in California to oust Governor Gavin Newsome. Ben debates whether he'd join it. Also, the Mayor drops the F-bomb on an alderman. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monroe Anderson returns to talk Biden and Trump. And one thing leads to another and we talk about Justice Thomas and his curious attitudes about race.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Andrew Cuomo gets accused of sexual harassment. Ben asks: How long will Dems still defend this guy? Also, Republicans try to ignite a "Pritzker Sucks" movement. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reader writer Maya Dukmasova returns to talk about the $281 million in federal COVID aid Mayor Lightfoot spent on police. Also, the mayor’s newfound opposition to civilian oversight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should Neera Tanden be punished for her Twitter addiction? Ben takes a stand. Also, Dr. D asks the question:How many times can Michael Joseph Madigan resign before he runs out of jobs to resign from?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political activist Michael Harrington went to high school and worked for Karen Lewis. He reflects on her life and her mayoral showdown with Mayor Rahm that wasn't. Ben & Michael agree--she'd have mopped the floor with him. Also, a word or two about the curious antics of North Side Dems. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Richard Steele returns to talk Limbaugh, Rachel Maddow, Sam Cooke & Larry King--among other things. He's the real deal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editor/columnist Rummana Hussain returns for another rundown. Among the things on her mind are lying politicians, out-of-town journalists acting like they know Chicago, and the Black Panthers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senator Ted Cruz ditches Texas for Cancun as his constituents freeze without heat. And when the shit hits the fan, who does he blame? His daughters. Ben asks--do you believe him? Also, lotsa of local news--including Madigangate updates.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is it about Dems that makes them bullies? Ben asks that question about New York Governor Cuomo. Should he be made to give up that Emmy? Also, budget & Madigan news.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary journalist Monroe Anderson talks about the brilliant lawsuit brought by the NAACP and Congressman Bennie Thompson against the Crime Brothers--Trump & Giuliani. If it takes an anti-KKK law from 1879 to bring justice in the 21st century, well, so be it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden holds a townhall in Wisconsin. Ben hopes this means Democrats are already looking forward to 2022 midterms. And listener Frank drops in to help Dr. D with the latest political news.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Carlos Ramirez Rosa, the dean of council Democratic Socialists, annotates Mayor Lightfoot's recent interview in the New York Times. Also, he says the real Machine in Chicago is not what you think. And a few words on gerrymandering and Republicans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Republican senators let Trump walk. What a bunch of wimps. Also, the New York Times falls in love with Lori, like they fell in love with Rahm & Richie.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Terry Cosgrove, Julie Hamos and Paula Purdue were young Democratic activists in the `70s when they joined forces to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. Now they're wise and seasoned--looking back on why it didn't pass. Hint--money exchanged hands. Also, a few words about Phyllis Schlafly and her connection to the movement that produced Trump. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union, Stacy Davis Gates returns to talk about the life and legacy of Karen Lewis, who died this weekend. Also, a word or two about returning to school in a pandemic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Attorney Jim Coogan analyzes the Senate impeachment trial, breaking down the case for President Trump's conviction. It would be a slam dunk in almost any court in the country, but...The "jurors"--Republican senators--are letting everyone know, through their disdain and indifference to the evidence, that they will never vote for conviction.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Rep Kelly Cassidy talks about what's ahead in Springfield now that Chris Welch has replaced Michael Madigan as house speaker. Also, a word or two about her purple hair and her unsuccessful bid for state senate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jacobin editor & writer Michah Uetricht wrote the book on Karen Lewis and CTU. He talks about her legacy. From there the conversation moves to Twitter and Neera Tanden. Not sure how--but it does.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben talks about Neera Tanden efforts to erase all memory of her days as a Twitter fanatic. Also, teachers go back to school.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monroe Anderson analyzes the first two days of the Impeachment trial. Also, his own Mt. Rushmore of Chicago political giants.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The impeachment trial begins and guess what? President Donnie's lawyer is awful. Also, Mayor Lightfoot sends teachers & kids back to schools. God help us all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben remembers the late great Karen Lewis. Oh, if only the powers that be who are lauding her now that she's passed, were this supportive when she was alive. Also, Mayor Lightfoot and high school basketball. Clearly, she's not been listening to the show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Executive director of the The Friends of the Parks, Juanita Irizarry returns to talk about the Obama Center coming to Jackson Park, General Iron coming to the Southeast Side, and environmental racism in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a perfect world, Ben & Maya would convene their monthly First Tuesdays show at the Hideout bar. But, alas, we're in the middle of a pandemic. Which begs the question--if it's too dangerous to meet in a bar, is it not too dangerous to open Chicago's public schools? And what are the politics of the standoff between Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Teachers Union. These are some of the questions Ben & Maya Dukmasova discuss with Yana Kunichoff, reporter for Chalkbeat Chicago, and Gregory Pratt, reporter for the Chicago Tribune, in a show recorded February 2.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pro Publica reporter Mick Dumke has been writing about or living among Republicans for years. So he knows a thing or two or three about the widening divisions in the GOP as Marjorie Taylor Greene tries to seize control. Also, a riff or two on Mayor Lightfoot and the aldermen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editor/columnist Rummana Hussain returns for her weekly Rummana Rundown. On the list of topics--Republican efforts to make AOC look as outrageous as MTG. Gimme a break. Also, the controversy at the Golden Globes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will defamation lawsuits force Fox TV to change its evil ways? Ben riffs on the $2.7 billion lawsuit filed by Smartmatic. More schools & pandemic news. Janice Jackson gets off a funny wisecrack. And a Mayor & her Aldermen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.